Publications by authors named "Avila S"

Semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted significant attention for their potential to develop high-performance, energy-efficient, and nanoscale electronic devices. Despite notable advancements in scaling down the gate and channel length of TMD field-effect transistors (FETs), the fabrication of sub-30 nm narrow channels and devices with atomic-scale edge control still poses challenges. Here, we demonstrate a crystallography-controlled nanostructuring technique to fabricate ultranarrow tungsten disulfide (WS) nanoribbons as small as sub-10 nm in width.

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Background: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of Trypanosoma cruzi and hepatitis B virus (HBV) increases morbidity and disability in Latin America and the Caribbean. The tailormade comprehensive antenatal care based on the Framework for the elimination of MTCT of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Chagas disease (EMTCT Plus) has been implemented in the region since 2018 through a private-public partnership. This study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of the intervention in preparing MTCT of T.

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Proper monitoring of rotating machines is responsible for the efficiency in detecting, diagnosing, or even prognosing failures. Effective monitoring can lead to increased economic viability of any equipment, as it may reduce costly repairs, decrease downtime, and increase safety. Knowing the behaviour of a machine promotes better monitoring of its operation and maintenance.

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Distinct routes of cellular production from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have defined our current view of hematopoiesis. Recently, we challenged classical views of platelet generation, demonstrating that megakaryocyte progenitors (MkPs), and ultimately platelets, can be specified via an alternate and additive route of HSC-direct specification specifically during aging. This "shortcut" pathway generates hyperactive platelets likely to contribute to age-related platelet-mediated morbidities.

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Article Synopsis
  • SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19, has caused over 7 million deaths worldwide since its emergence, leading to trials of treatments like the anti-IL6 inhibitor tocilizumab, which failed to significantly improve survival rates.
  • Researchers isolated extracellular vesicles (EVs) from 39 severe COVID-19 patients to explore their potential as biomarkers, finding that specific viral proteins (spike and nucleocapsid) were dynamic in expression during treatment and recovery.
  • The study suggests that the changing levels of EV viral proteins could correlate with clinical outcomes, indicating that EVs might help identify long COVID and other complications in patients with severe cases.
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This study assessed the influence of sociodemographic conditions, oral hygiene habits, and the socio-psychological need for orthodontic treatment on the emotions of caregivers of children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We conducted a comparative cross-sectional study with families of individuals aged 6 to 14 years at a reference center for neurodevelopmental disorders and two dental school clinics in northeastern Brazil. Caregiver emotions were assessed using the 'Parental Emotions' domain of the Family Impact Scale (FIS).

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Geographic distribution, as well as evolutionary and biogeographic processes and patterns of marine invertebrate benthic species are strongly shaped by dispersal ability during the life cycle. Remote oceanic islands lie at the brink of complex biotic and abiotic interactions which have significantly influenced the biodiversity patterns we see today. The interaction between geological environmental change and taxon-specific dispersal modes can influence species evolutionary patterns, eventually delimiting species-specific biogeographic regions.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates how population dynamics of benthic marine invertebrates with non-planktotrophic larvae, specifically bryozoans from the Azores Archipelago, are influenced by connectivity and ecological factors.
  • Researchers used mitochondrial and microsatellite data to explore genetic patterns among different species, revealing inconsistencies likely due to the complexities of analyzing multiple species simultaneously and ecological interactions in deep waters.
  • The identification of a new cryptic ecotype in shallow waters suggests that ecological conditions can drive speciation, highlighting the need for conservation strategies that consider these dynamics in oceanic insular ecosystems.
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Quality control of propolis plays a pivotal role in ensuring the appropriate concentrations of active compounds, limiting unwanted substances, verifying authenticity, and adhering to regulatory standards. This study aimed to assess the identity and quality standards, the individual phenolic composition (LC-ESI-MS/MS), and the antioxidant and antiglycemic potential of commercial propolis extracts (CPEs) from , , and bees. CPEs met wax content and oxidation activity criteria, surpassing minimum thresholds for total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC), although stingless bee CPE did not test positive for 10% lead acetate.

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Primer that helps clarify large-scale clinical data sets and participant demographics for oncologists.

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Background: Virtual reality (VR) is a well-researched digital intervention that has been used for managing acute pain and anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing various medical procedures. This study focuses on investigating the role of unique patient characteristics and VR immersion level on the effectiveness of VR for managing pediatric pain and anxiety during venipuncture.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine how specific patient characteristics and level of immersion during a VR intervention impact anxiety and pain levels for pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture procedures.

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There is a marked disparity in the state of knowledge of Holartic x Neotropical species of the freshwater snail family Physidae; the incipiency of data on Neotropical physids reflecting the lower number of dedicated specialists. The gaps in the knowledge on Neotropical physids have led to historical uncertainty about species validity. Revisiting the species is essential to reduce taxonomic impediment and delineating their probable distribution is the first step to attain this purpose.

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Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and microtia psychosocial research in the US is primarily with English-speaking participants. Given that 19% of the US is Latino, and there is a higher prevalence of CFM in Latino populations, this study aims to describe psychosocial experiences related to CFM among Spanish-speaking Latino caregivers to better inform health care. Narrative interviews (mean 73±17 min) were completed in Spanish with parents of children with CFM aged 3 to 17 (mean age 10.

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Background: Facial paralysis due to parotid sialolithiasis-induced parotitis is a unusual clinical phenomenon that has not been reported in prior literature. This scenario can present a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and complex symptomatology, particularly if a patient has other potential contributing factors such as facial trauma or bilateral forehead botox injections as in this patient. This case report elucidates such a complex presentation, aiming to increase awareness and promote timely recognition among clinicians.

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Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are an effective treatment for some blood cancers. However, the lack of tumor-specific surface antigens limits their wider use. We identified a set of surface antigens that are limited in their expression to cancer and the central nervous system (CNS).

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Background Aims: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell (CAR-T) therapies have revolutionized the treatment of B-cell lymphomas. Unfortunately, relapses after CD19-targeted CAR-T are relatively common and, therefore, there is a critical need for assays able to assess the function and potency of CAR-T products pre-infusion, which will hopefully help to optimize CAR-T therapies. We developed a novel multicolor fluorescent spot assay (MFSA) for the functional assessment of CAR-T products on a single-cell level, combining the numerical assessment of CAR-T products with their functional characterization.

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This study aimed to determine the nutritional components (macronutrients ans minerals) and α-amylase inhibition capacity of freeze-dried grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam) seeds (S) and pulp/peel (P) portions, at ripe and mid-ripe stages. In vitro digestion was also performed on S and P from grumixama to assess the bioaccessibility of total phenolic compound (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and anthocyanins (TAC), as well as to examine their impact on antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP). The ripening process impacts the bioactive compounds and individual phenolics of S and P portions.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The Chicagoland Free Clinics Consortium (CFCC) was established to enhance collaboration among student-run free clinics (SRFCs) in the Chicago area by offering innovation grants and hosting annual conferences.
  • - Over four years (2018-2022), CFCC engaged 23 SRFCs from six different schools, distributed over $15,000 in grants, and hosted four conferences attended by 176 students.
  • - Survey results showed that 80% of attendees felt more inclined to collaborate with other clinics, and 87% of grant recipients believed their funding facilitated projects that wouldn't have been possible otherwise.
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Article Synopsis
  • Caregivers are essential in evaluating the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) for young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • The study compared OHRQoL and family dynamics of children with and without ASD, finding that those with ASD faced more challenges according to guardians' perceptions.
  • Results showed that higher youth age, lower caregiver education, and specific oral habits contributed to poorer OHRQoL, with families of ASD youths being more impacted by these factors.
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(Issel, 1874) is a species of terrestrial slug that occurs in southeast China and the Pacific Basin and is the only species of its genus that occurs beyond the Oriental region and to the east of Wallace's line in the Australian region, where it has probably been introduced. In this study, we report for the first time as an intermediate host for (Chen, 1935) based on histological and molecular analyses of slugs from Tuamasaga, Samoa, deposited at the Medical Malacological Collection (Fiocruz-CMM). DNA was obtained from the deparafinized tissues scraped from specimen slides.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of palm oil on the ruminal environment and nutrient digestibility of sheep diets. Twenty rumen-cannulated sheep were kept in individual stalls equipped with feeding and drinking troughs The animals were fed five diets based on Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv.

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Gabirobeira fruits are known for their rich nutrient content and bioactive phytochemical compounds that contribute to significant biological activities. Despite these attributes, the antioxidant potential and stability of phenolic compounds in gabiroba by-products after digestion have yet to be studied. The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical-chemical composition, antibacterial activity, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects, as well as the in vitro digestibility of total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of powder and extract from gabiroba to valorize these byproducts.

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Objective: Food advertising is an important determinant of unhealthy eating. However, analysing a large number of advertisements (ads) to distinguish between food and non-food content is a challenging task. This study aims to develop a machine learning-based method to automatically identify and classify food and non-food ad videos.

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Objective: This cross-sectional study analyzed the socio-psychological need for orthodontic treatment in children and adolescents with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and its association with deleterious oral habits.

Methods: Children/adolescents aged 6-14 years old, with and without ASD, and their respective caregivers were included. Caregivers completed a questionnaire addressing children and adolescents' deleterious oral habits.

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Background: Herein, we attempted to obtain detailed data on the distribution of the species of () in Brazil, using biodiversity databases, malacological collections and literature as sources of occurrence records. We provided a catalogue of species, along with distribution maps. We also estimated the suitable distribution of () using the maximum entropy approach.

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